Switch construction



Dec. 9, 1952 J. J, KOJS 2,621,272

SWITCH CONSTRUCTION Filed June 28, 195o 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 l ifo/272 k[ji/@Za Patented Dec. 9, 1952 SWITCH CONSTRUCTION John J. Kojis, Chicago, Ill., assignor to S & C Electric Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Application June 28, 1950, Serial No. 170,858

9 Claims.

This invention relates, generally, to load inter rupter disconnecting switches, and it has particular relation lto such switches in which a load interrupter device is removable and replaceable as a Aunit while the switch is energized. The construction herein disclosed is an improvement over that disclosed inthe copending application of Lindell, Serial No. 3,221, filed January 20, 1948, and assigned to the assignee of this application. The present invention is usable in conjunction with the switch construction shown in Lindell et al. Patent No. 2,351,826, issued June 20, 1944.

Among the objects of this invention are: To provide for safely, simply, and eiiiciently removing a load interruptor device from and replacing it in operative position on an energized switch contact for inspection and maintenance; to hold the load interrupter device temporarily in plugged in position and to clamp it securely in operative vposition by using a live line tool; to employ a pair of studs projecting from the switch contact into a pair of openings in a contact plate forming a part of the load interrupter device for effecting this temporary retention; to clamp the load interrupter device in operative position by a bolt loosely carried thereby and threadable by a live line tool into a tapped opening in a contact plate carried by the switch contact; to employ a socket for receiving a plug forming a part of the load interrupter device and to position the former to receive the latter between a pair of spaced apart switch blade members Ithat are movable as a unit; to manipulate the clamp bolt from a remote point by a live line tool extendingv through the space between the switch blade members; and to attach a live line tool to the load interruptor device by a threaded connection to permit manipulation thereof from a remote location.

Other objects of this invention will, in part, 'be obvious and in part appear hereinafter.

This invention is disclosed in the embodiment thereof shown in the accompanying drawings and it comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified by the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the 'appended claims.

For a more complete understanding of the nature and scope of this invention, reference can be had to the following detailed description, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in

ZOO-146) Figure 2 is a view, in front elevation, taken generally along the line 2-2 of Figure 1 and showing the upper portion of the switch construction including the load interrupter device;

Figure 3 is a view, at an enlarged scale, partly in side elevation and partly in section, of the socket member which forms an integral ypart of the energized switch contact;

Figure 4 is an elevational view taken along the line 4 4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a view, ypartly in side elevation and partly in section, of the plug in terminal portion of the load interrupter device which is arranged to detachably intert with the socket member shown in Figure 3; and

Figure 6 is an elevational view taken generally along the line 2 6 of Figure 5.

Referring now particularly to Figure 1 of the drawings, it will be observed that the reference character I8 designates, generally, a load interrupter type of disconnecting switch. The switch I0 includes a channel iron base I I which carries upper and lower stationary insulators I2 and I3. They are spaced from the channel base II by spacers I4 so as to be aligned generally with a rotatable insulator I5 which is secured to a shaft I6 that is rotatably mounted in a bearing construction I'I carried by the base I I near its lower end. An operating arm I8 is clamped to .the shaft E6 for connection to a suitable remote operating mechanism. It will be understood that the switch i3 can be mounted for gang operation with one or two other similar switches as may be required.

The lower stationary insulator I3 carries a stationary hinge member 2I on which a switch blade, shown generally at 22, is rotatably mounted by a shaft 23. The switch blade 22 has a bracket 24 attached Ithereto to which a rod 25 is secured by a universal joint for operating the switch blade 22. At its lower end the rod 25 is rockably mounted on the outer end of a crank arm 26 which is fast on a shaft 2l that is carried by and is rotatable with the rotatable insulator I5. The hinge member 2I has an extension 28 formed integrally therewith and its lower end portion is guided on the shaft 21. At its lower end the extension 28 has a terminal pad 29 to permit electrical connection thereto.

As illustrated more clearly in Figure 2 of the drawings, the switch blade 22 comprises switch blade members 32 and 33 that are spaced apart while their upper ends 34 are positioned in closer spaced relation to engage the opposite sides of a :normally energizable switch contact 35.

integrally therewith to permit electrical connection thereto. A bolt 3'! extends through the upper ends 34 of the switch blade members 32 and 33 and functions in conjunction with spring means to provide the desired contact pressure with the sides of the switch contact 35.

Removably mounted between the switch blade members 32 and 33 is a load interrupter device that is indicated, generally, at 40. The details of construction of the load interrupter device may be those described in Lindell et al. United States Patent No. 2,351,826, issued June 20, 1944. It will be understood, however, that other types of load interrupter devices can be employed if desired. In the construction shown in this patent the load interrupter device is not intended to be removed from the switch Contact on which it is mounted while this contact is energized. Rather, it is necessary to deenergize the circuit before any work can be done on the load interrupter device by Way of repairing or replacing it. In accordance with the present invention provision is made for removing the load interrupter device 40 while the switch contact 35 on which it is mounted is energized.

With this object in mind the load interrupter device 46 is arranged to be plugged into a cvlindrical opening 4| in a socket member 42, Figures 3 and 4which is formed integrally with a ange 43 that, in turn, is formed integrally with the switch contact 35. Flush with the front side of the socket member 42 is a contact 'olate 44 that also is formed integrally with the associated parts.

In order to cool and condense the gases that are evolved on opening of the circuit by the load interrupter device 40, a screen 4|' of copper wire is located within the opening 4|. Ports or vents 42 are provided in the surface of the contact place 44 to relieve to the atmosphere the pressure built up in the socket member 42.

The load interrupter device 46 includes a cylindrical insulator 45 having a terminal housing 46 at its outer end. The housing 46 not only serves to enclose a portion ofthe operating mechanism of the load interrupter device 49 but also. as the jname implies, functions as one terminal thereof.

At the other end of the cylindrical insulator 45, Figure 5, is a terminal 41. Integrally formed therewith is a plug 43 that is arranged to intert with the cylindrical opening 4| in the socket member 42. Formed integrally with the terminal 47 is a contact plate 49 that is arranged to cooperate flatwise with the contact plate 44 when the plug 48 of the load interrupter device 46 is inserted in the cylindrical opening 4 I.

The load interrupter device 46 is provided with a closing arm 56 on one side and an opening arm on the other side. These are shown in Figures 1 and 2. The switch blade member 32 carries a closing detent 52 and the switch blade member 33 carries an opening detent 53. It will be understood that, when the switch blade 22 is swung from the closed position shown in Figure 1 toward the open position, the opening detent 53 engages the opening arm 5| and moves it to operate the load interrupter device 46 and open the circuit therein. On the reverse Inovement of the switch blade 22, the closing detent as long as it remains in the plugged in position only by movement of the switch blade 22 toward the open circuit position.

Normally the terminal housing 46 is disconnected from the circuit, except through the load interrupter device 40, when the switch blade 22 is in the closed position as shown in Figure 1. Prior to disengagement of the switch blade 22 from the normally energizable switch Contact 35, a parallel circuit is completed through the load interrupter device 46. For this purpose projections 54, constructed as disclosed in Kojis application Serial No. 158,246, led April 26, 1950, and assigned to the assignee of this application are provided on the underside of the terminal housing 46. A bow contact 55 is positioned between the switch blade members 32 and 33 and is arranged to engage the projections 54 for completing the circuit through the load interrupter device 46 during a portion of the opening and closing movement of the switch blade 22.

It is desirable to hold the load interrupter device 40 temporarily in the plugged in position in order to permit manipulation of the clamping means to be described. For this purpose longitudinally slotted hollow pins 56, Figures 3 and 4, are threaded into the contact plate 44 and project a substantial distance beyond the surface thereof. The pins 56 are arranged to interiit with openings 5l, Figures 5 and 6, in the contact plate 49. These openings 5? have dared-out portions 58 for guiding the rounded heads of the pins 56 into the openings 5l. Rubber inserts 56' are positioned in the openings in the pins 56 to prevent entrance of dirt, etc., and to increase the force acting to ex the slotted portions outwardly. The rear portions 59 of the rounded heads of the pins 56 are rounded to cooperate with a chamfered surface 60 at the forward ends of the openings 51 to squeeze the slotted portions inwardly when the load interrupter device 46 is withdrawn. Not only do the pins 56 serve to hold the load interrupter device 40 temporarily in position in the socket member 42 by the reaction between the rear portions 59 of the pins 56 and the chamfered surfaces 66 of the openings 51, but also they provide for automatically aligning it the proper position.

It is desirable that the load interrupter device 46 be securely clamped to the contact plate 44 not only to provide the desired electrical connection therewith but also to resist the mechanical stresses which are incident to the operation of the load interrupter device 40 by the switch blade 22 as it is moved out of or into the closed position. For this purpose clamping means in the form of a captive bolt 6| is employed. As shown more clearly in Figure 5 the bolt 6| has a reduced central portion 6'2 so that it is loosely fitted in a threaded opening 63 in the contact plate 49. At its inner end the bolt 6| has a threaded portion Y64, this thread being the same as the thread in the opening 63 which, While permitting the bolt 6| to be passed through the contact plate 49 cooperates with the threads in the Y opening 63 to prevent loss of the bolt 6| or removal from the contact plate 49 unless it is threaded past the threads of the opening 63.

The threaded portion 64 of the bolt 6| is arranged to engage a tapped opening 65 in the contact plate 44. At its outer end the bolt 6| has a hexagonal head 66.

It will be observed in Figure 2 that the hexagonal head 66 of the bolt 6| can be reached through the space between the switch blade members 32 lmid33labovethe load Jinterrupter device 40. Y'For `this purpose, as shown infFigure l, a hexagonal socket wrench 6l can be employed. The socket 'wrench 51 Lis mounted on 4an insulated live line itool .handle 69. .It vwill be .apparent that the :socket'wrenc'h El `at 'the .end of the handle l9 4can be inserted in the space :between :theiswitch blade members V32 and 33 above 'the .load interrupter de- -yice 40 lfor engaging the hexagonal Ahead T65 'and lunscrewing 'the b'olt `6I from the Icontact lplate 1M. 'This then .unclamps the'loadfinterrupter 'de- -vice #D and it -can `be withdrawn vfrom between Vthe switch blade vmembers K32 and 3.3.

In order to permit manipulation ofthe load interruptor device '4U while .the switch contact .35 is energized at .high voltage, the .terminal housfing '46 :is provided .at it-s outer end with ia 'threaded Astud l0. For cooperating with the threaded stud l'Hlfanut .ll is secured in afsocket 'l2 that iis v,carried lby an insulated live line tool handle FM. After vthe bolt 6| 'ha-s been unscrewed bythe wrench 61, th'e nut '7H can be threaded on the .stud 1'!) and then fthe load vinterrupter 40 can :be withdrawn `from its position between the switch blade mem- -bers 32 and 33 by suitable ymanipulation :of .the

'handle .14.

'The load interruptor device 40 can -be replaced :by reversing the sequence :of the steps :just de- .scribe'd. Instead -of employing the threaded stud 1-0 Aand the socket vl2 carrying l,the nut 1l, conventional live line clamping devices at the end of a live line tool handle can be employed for fbodily grippingthe terminal housing 46 'and removing or .replacing the load interrupter device 40.

A'fter the load interrupter device 49 has been replaced, the bolt `6| is tightened by .means `of the r'socket wrench 6?! yat the 'end of the :insulated live .line tool handle 69.

Since certain 'further changes can be made .in the foregoing construction land different embodiments of fthe invention can Ibe made Without departing from the 'spirit and scope thereof, it is intended that all mattei' shown in the accompanying drawings and described hereinbefore shall `be interpreted as illustrative Vand not in va limiting sense.

What iis claimed as new is:

l.. Ina high voltage switch for electric power distribution circuits, in combination, a normally energizable switch contact, .a movable switch blade `for engaging ,and .disengaging said switch contact 'for carrying load current in 4the engaged position, :a socket member carried by and electrically connected vto said lswitch contact and Kopening in the direction in which said switch blade moves to open position; an elongated load interrupter device including an insulator, and terminals at the ends of said insulator, one of said terminals having 1a plug Vformed integrally .therewith -for .detachably interiitt'ing with said .socket member so that said load interrupter device 'is insertable into operative .position from fthe [front of said switch blade rand can 'be withdrawn vtherefrom in the lsame general direction as said switch blade moves to open position; detachable llocating means extending between said socket Ymember and said ,one terminal `for centering said load interrupter device and being capable of hold- 'ing the same temporarily in plugged in position. remotely operable clamp Ymeans having 'a 'head .arranged and adapted to be engaged by a socket member carried 'by a live line tool Vfrom a position in front of 4said switch blade, said clamp `means lextending :between said ysocket member and said one terminal 'for detachably clamping the latter incontact engagementwith :the former, 'and fconlta'ct means carried by .said switch blade for engaging said other `terminal prior 'to .disengagement of said switch con't'a'ct @by -said .switch blade to transfer the load current -to flow entirely through said load interrupter..v

In a Thigh voltage `switch for electric power distribution circuits, in combination, a normally `energizable `switch contact, a movable 'switch b1/ade for 'engaging and disengaging said switch contact for carrying load current inthe engaged -position, asocket 'member carried by and :electriycallyfccnn'ected to said switch contact and-'opening in the direction in rwhich said switch blade moves to -open position; an elongated load inter- :rupter device including an insulator, and terminals at the ends Aof said insulator, one of said terminals having a plug formed integrally therewith for `detach'ably intertting with said socket member so that `load interrupter fdevice .is inseritable `into operative position from the front -ozsaid switch blade and can be withdrawn'therefrom rinthe same general direction as said switch blade moves to open position; detachable locating means extending between said ysocket mem- `ber and said one terminal Yfor centering said load i-nterrupter `device and being capable Aof hol'ding the same temporarily .in Aplugged 5in -position, remotely operable vclamp means having 4a vhead arranged and adapted Ato be engaged by `a vrsocket member carried `by a liveline tool from aposition in front lof said switch blade, said clamp means extending 'between Ysaid socket member and said lone terminal Vfor detachably clamping the latter in :contact engagement with the former, attachment 4means on said load interrupterfor detachably :receiving a live line "tool -to remove said .load .interruptor generally in the direction in which said switch blade is moved to the open position rwhen said clamp means is unclamped, `and contact means Vcarried by said switch blade for engaging Asaid lother terminal prior to disengagement o'f said switch contact by said switch blade to 'transfer the `load current to ilow 'entirely through said load 'interruptein 3. In Aa high voltage switch for electric kpower distribution circuits, in combination, 'a normally energizable switch contact, a movable switch blade .for engaging and disengaging 'said switch contact for carrying load vcurrent in the 4engaged position, a :socket member carried by `and electrically .connected to Isaid switch contact and opening in the direction in which said switch blade moves to open position; an elongated load interrup'ter 'device including an insulator, and

'terminals `'at 'the ends 'of said insulator, one of ,said terminals .having a, plug formed integrally therewith for detachably interfitting with'said socket member so that said load interrupter device is insertable into operative position `from the front of said switch blade and can be "withdrawn therefrom 'in the same Igeneral direction as said switch blade moves to open position; stud means carried by said socket -member and slidably engaging said one terminal vfor centering said load interrunter device fand being capable of holding the lsame temporarily in plugged in position, re- :motely 'operable `clamp means having 'a head arranged land adapted to be engaged by a socket member carried by a live line tool from a position 1in lfront of said 'switch blade, said clamp means extending between said socket member and said .one terminal for detachably clamping the latter in contact engagement with the former, and contact means carried by said switch yblade for engaging said other terminal prior to disengagement of said switch contact by said switch blade to transfer the load current to iiow entirely through said load interrupter.

4. In a high voltage switch for electric power distribution circuits, in combination, a normally energizable switch contact, a movable switch blade for engaging and disengaging said switch .contact for carrying load current in the engaged position, a socket member carried by and electrically connected to said switch contact and opening in the direction in which said switch blade moves to open position; an elongated load interrupter device including an insulator, and terminals at the ends of said insulator, one of said terminalsl having a plug formed integrally therewith for detachably interiitting with said socket'member so that said load interrupter device in'i'nsertable into operative position from the the front of said switch blade and can be withdrawn therefrom in the same general direction as said switch blade moves to open position; detachable locating means extending between said socket member and said one terminal for centering said load interrupter device and being capable of holding the same temporarily in plugged in position, remotely operable screw clamp means having'a head arranged and adapted to be engaged by a socket member carried by a live line tool from a position in front of said switch blade, said clamp means having threaded engagement with said socket member for detachably clampi'ng said one terminal in contact engagement with said socket member, and contact means carried by said switch blade for engaging said other tervminal prior to disengagement of said switch contact by said switch blade to transfer the load current to iiow entirely through said load interrupter.

Y5. In a high voltage switch for electric power distribution circuits, in combination, a normally energiz-able switch contact, a movable switch blade for engaging and disengaging said switch contact for carrying load current in the engaged position, a socket member carried by and electrically connected to said switch contact and opening in the direction in which said switch blade moves to open position; an elongated load interrupter device including an insulator, and terminals at the ends of said insulator, one of said terminals having a plug formed integrally therewith for detachably interfitting with said socket member so that said load interrupter de- Vvice is insertable into operative position from the iront of said switch blade and can be withdrawn 'therefrom in the same general direction as said -switch blade moves to open position; a pair of studs extending from said socket member in the direction in which said switch blade moves to open position and slidably engaging in a pair of openings in said one terminal for centering said load 'interrupter device, each of said studs frictionally 'interfitting with its respective opening so as to require a substantial force to remove said load interrupter device from operative position, remotely operable screw clamp means having a head arranged and adapted to be engaged by a socket member carried by a live line tool from a position in front of said switch blade, said clamp means having threaded engagement with said socket member for detachably clamping said one terminal in contact engagement lwith said socket member, and contact means carried by said switch blade for engaging said other terminal prior to disengagement of said 8 switch contact by said switch blade to transfer the load current to flow entirely through said load interrupter.

6. In a high voltage switch for electric power distribution circuits, in combination, supporti means, a normally energizable switch contact carried by said support means in insulated spaced relation, a movable switch blade pivoted on said support means in insulated spaced relation for engaging and disengaging said switch contact by swinging toward and away from said support means and for carrying load current in the engaged position, a socket member carried by and electrically connected to said switch contact and opening away from said support means and including a contact plate extending parallel to said switch blade in closed position; an elongated load interrupter device including an insulator, and terminals at the ends of said insulator, one of said terminals having a plug formed integrally therewith for detachably intertting with said socket member so that said load interrupter is insertable into operative position from the front of said switch blade toward said support means and can be withdrawn from operative position away from said support means in the same general direction as said switch blade moves to open position and a contact plate for engaging the iirst mentioned contact plate ilatwise; a pair of studs projecting from said iirst mentioned contact plate in the direction in which said switch blade moves to open position and slidably engaging a pair of openings in the second mentioned contact plate for centering said load interrupter device and being capable of holding the same temporarily in plugged in position, a remotely operable screw clamp carried by said second mentioned contact plate and having a head arranged and adapted to be engaged by a socket member carried by a live line tool from a position in front of said switch blade, said screw clamp having threaded engagement with said first mentioned contact plate for detachably clamping said contact plates in contact engagement, means mounting said screw clamp on said second mentioned contact plate so that it is freely rotatable thereon and is prevented from being readily removed therefrom, and Contact means carried by said switch blade for engaging said other terminal prior to disengagement of said switch contact by said switch blade to transfer the load current to flow entirely through said load interrupter.

7. In a high voltage switch for electric power distribution circuits, in combination, a normally energizable switch contact, a pair of spaced apart switch blade members movable as a unit for engaging and disengaging said switch contact and for carrying load current in the engaged position, a socket member carried by and electrically connected to said switch contact with the socket opening thereof centrally located between said switch blade members; an elongated load interrupter device including an insulator, and terminals at the ends of said insulator, one of said terminals having a plug formed integrally therewith for detachably intertting with said socket member whereby said load interrupter device is movable in front of said switch blade vmembers into and out of operative position;

therebetween; detachable locating means eX- tending between said socket member and said one terminal for centering said load interrupter device and being capable of holding the same temporarily in plugged in position between said switch blade members, clamp means having a head remotely operable by a live line tool inserted from a position in front of said switch blade members, and through the space therebetween and extending between said socket member and said one terminal for detachably clamping the latter in Contact engagement with the former, and contact means carried by said switch blade for engaging said other terminal prior to disengagement of said switch contact by said switch blade to transfer the load current to flow entirely through said load interrupter device.

8. In a high voltage switch for electric power distribution circuits, in combination, a normally energizable switch contact, a pair of spaced apart switch blade members movable as a unit for engaging and disengaging said switch contact and for carrying load current in the engaged position, a socket member carried by and electrically connected to said switch contact with the socket opening thereof centrally located between said switch blade members; an elongated load interrupter device including an insulator, and terminals at the ends of said insulator, one `of said terminals having a plug' formed integrally therewith for detachably intertting with said socket member whereby said load interrupter device is movable in front of said switch blade members into and out of operative position therebetween; detachable locating means extending between said socket member and said one terminal for centering said load interrupter device and being capable of holding the same temporarily in plugged in position between said switch blade members, 7'

clamp means having a head remotely operable by a live line tool inserted from a position in front of said switch blade members `and through the space therebetween `and extending between said socket member and said one terminal for detachably clamping the latter in contact engagement with the former, attachment means on the other terminal of said load interrupter device for receiving a live line tool to remove said load interrupter device in the direction in which said switch blade is moved to open position when said clam-p means is unclamped, 'and contact means carried by said switch blade for engaging said other terminal prior to disengagement of said switch contact by said switch 10 disengaging said switch contact and for carrying load current in the engaged position, a socket member carried by and electrically connected to said switch contact with the socket opening thereof centrally located between said vswitch blade members and including a contact plate extending parallel to said switch blade members in closed position; an elongated load interrupter device including an insulator, and terminals at the ends of said insulator, one of said terminals having a contact plate for engaging the first mentioned contact plate iiatwise and a plug formed integrally therewith for detachably interiitting with said socket member whereby said load interrupter device is movable into and out of operative position between said switch blade members from the front thereof and on the side away from said support means; a pair of studs projecting from said rst mentioned contact plate away from said support means and in the direction in which said blade members move to open position and slidably engaging in a pair of openings in the second mentioned contact plate for centering said load interrupter device and holding the same temporarily in plugged in position between said switch blade members independently of other holding means, a screw clamp having a lhead arranged and adapted to be engaged by a. live line tool extending through the space between said swit-ch blade members from a position in front thereof and carried by said second mentioned contact plate and having threaded engagement with an opening in said iirst mentioned contact plate for detachably clamping said contact plates in contact engagement, means mounting said screw clamp on said second mentioned contact plate so that it is freely rotatable thereon and is prevented from being readily removed therefrom, and contact means carried by said switch blade for engaging said other terminal prior to disengagement of said switch contact by said switch blade to transfer the load current to flo-w entirely through said lo-ad interrupter device.

JOHN J. KOJIS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the iile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,310,523 Eberhard July 22, 1919 2,125,256 Fairbanks July 25, 1938 2,172,633 Wilms Sept. 12, 1939 2,351,826 Lindell et al. June 20, 1944 2,394,090 McFarland Feb. 5, 1946 

